Kicking off on Thursday 23rd of August, the 2012 ITM Cup boasts 14 teams playing 70 matches in 15 rounds over eight weeks, followed by semis and finals, the Ranfurly Shield, and a competition format with promotion and relegation at stake.

The 2011 results determined whether teams were playing in the ITM Cup Premiership or the ITM Cup Championship in the 2012 ITM Cup, with Hawke’s Bay gaining promotion, while Southland were relegated.

In 2012 the ITM Cup Championship teams will be play for promotion in 2013. The unique format sees every team playing all other teams within their Premiership or Championship, as well as four crossover matches from the other group. That ensures we will get to see plenty of the traditional inter-provincial tribalism and rivalry.

Semi-finals are due to be played 19-21 October, with the ITM Cup Championship final on 26 October and the ITM Cup Premiership final on 27 October.